At least two men broke into Daramalan College in Dickson on the weekend and tried to set the carpet alight, police say.
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Police are unsure how many men broke into a side room from the school reception about 8.50pm Saturday.
They then started to burn the carpet and a few other items, but were interrupted by school security guards alerted by the alarm system.
On hearing the alarm, the men fled the scene and security guards extinguished the fire.
School principal Rita Daniels said she was stunned to hear of the incident and had never heard of vandalism like this happening before in the area.
Ms Daniels said a number of art works had been saved from the fire and damage was fairly minimal.
One of the men was described as between 5'3" and 5'5" tall, wearing a grey hoody.
Ms Daniels said she would be "very surprised" if it was a student.
ACT Policing is urging anyone who may have information relating to this burglary to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via act.crimestoppers.com.au.